Napoleon and Illya stood on the sidewalk and watched as one of the strangest parades of Mardi Gras passed them. Solo was quite entertained by the sight of dozens of dogs from the Krewe of Barkus, all decked out in costumes, and was quite charmed by some of them. It was unbelievable just how diverse the different costumes were. Kuryakin, on the other hand, was not so keen on the parade, and had positioned himself slightly behind his partner. He had a long-held fear and distrust of dogs.
"When is the contact due?" he asked, trying to take his mind from memories of dogs he'd encountered in his youth.
Solo glanced at his watch.
"Any time," he replied. "Apparently, we will be able to ascertain who they are fairly easily."
"Was that all you were told?" Illya queried, incredulously. "No names or descriptions?"
"All I was told was that there would be two individuals, with one offering an unusual handshake as way of proving their credentials."
Illya sighed heavily, ensuring that Napoleon could be in no doubt as to his level of frustration. There were times when 'cloak and dagger' entered into the realms of clairvoyance.
The dog parade was coming to the end when one animal, which Illya recognised to be a whippet, an English descendant of greyhounds, broke free from the group. It was carrying a small plastic tube in its mouth and was being closely followed by its owner. The two agents immediately knew them to be their contacts, as the dog was wearing a black turtleneck sweater, which matched the one Illya was wearing. It sat down in front of the Russian and lifted up its front right paw. He looked to Napoleon, who nodded encouragingly.
With extreme hesitation, Illya took the paw and shook it. The dog then bowed its head, before placing the tube on the ground. Napoleon picked it up as both dog and human blended back in with the parade.
"Well, that was different," the American muttered.
Illya slowly nodded in response; still holding his hand out.
"Are you okay, Tovarisch?"
"I am fine," Illya replied. "I was merely admiring the dog's sartorial taste."